Texas House Bill HB3814

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the regulation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of the discharge of preproduction plastic from point and nonpoint sources to ensure zero discharge or release of plastic into water or onto land in the state and to ensure the prompt cleanup of any discharged or released plastic.

Impact

The legislation seeks to amend the Texas Water Code by enabling the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to enforce stricter regulations regarding the handling and discharge of preproduction plastics. This includes requirements for new facilities to obtain individual stormwater permits and existing facilities with general permits to transition to these stricter guidelines. Additionally, any plastics found outside a facility's boundaries would be presumed to have originated from that facility unless proven otherwise, placing an emphasis on accountability.

Summary

House Bill 3814 is aimed at regulating the discharge of preproduction plastic by facilities in Texas, mandating measures to ensure zero discharge into water or onto land. The bill defines 'preproduction plastic' as materials like resin pellets, flakes, fibers, and powders used in the manufacturing process. A key provision of the bill is that facilities handling these materials must prevent any release of plastic beyond their property boundaries, which enhances protections for the environment and water quality across the state.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding HB3814 may arise from industries affected by these stringent regulations, as they may argue that the compliance costs could be burdensome. There may also be debates regarding the efficacy of such measures, with proponents advocating for environmental responsibility while opponents might claim that the regulations could hinder business operations or economic development. The balance between environmental protection and economic impact is likely to be a focal point of discussion during legislative reviews.